Soda Vending Machines to Display Calories

October 9, 2012

According to the Associated Press, Coke, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper are rolling out new vending machines that will post the calorie counts of the drinks. “They’re seeing the writing on the wall and want to say that it’s corporate responsibility,” Mike Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest told the wire.

This new initiative comes on the heels of a citywide soda ban (sugary drinks in more than 16-ounce cups will be officially prohibited in public places) and regulations that would require restaurant chains and vending machines to post the information as early as next year.

The machines will feature calorie counts on the buttons people press to select a drink.

Vending machines will also feature small decals, such as “Calories Count: Check Then Choose.” Coke, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper are also focusing on developing more diet drinks and the machines will increase the availability of lower- and zero-calorie drinks.

“We have market research that says consumers really like this – they like choice, they like the ability to make choices,” said Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association.

There is no timetable for when all vending machines will be converted, but the companies are working with third-party operators to convert the machines over time.